Islabikes, widely respected in the United Kingdom for leading the way in children's bicycle design, will launch its U.S. presence with headquarters in Portland, Oregon, on April 15.
Islabikes leads the world in the design and manufacture of exceptional bicycles for children. This British company has singlehandedly redefined the notion of a child's bicycle with a product unparalleled in its depth of design detail. An Islabike gives a child a real head start from learning balance to full-on racing performance.
Islabikes was founded by renowned British bicycle designer Isla Rowntree, one of the few female designers in the industry. Isla's reputation is built on a thorough understanding of ergonomics. With a meticulous attention to detail, Isla is reshaping how children experience cycling. Parents across the United Kingdom have embraced this concept and word has spread quickly as families endorse the 'Islabike' effect. As a result, Islabikes has established an enviable brand loyalty and is held in high regard within the bicycle industry.
"I'm really excited that more children will have the thrill of riding our super lightweight well-fitting bicycles," said Rowntree. "In looking to site premises in the U.S., Portland stood out as the natural home for our company. With the familiar climate and a sense of shared values, it's a welcoming, visionary community with a passion for cycling as a sustainable way of life."
Officials from the state of Oregon and the city of Portland, which offered the company technical assistance and a small grant for improvements to the company's new Produce Row storefront on Southeast Seventh Avenue, welcomed Isla to North America's most bike-friendly community.
"Oregon is a great fit for Islabikes as part of our highly successful outdoor gear industry which numbers in the hundreds already," said Business Oregon Director Tim McCabe. "I am confident that Portland families as well as the community's eager and trained workforce will embrace this new company."
The Portland Development Commission worked with Islabikes and the property owner of the building, Mike Tevis, on improving the space and façade by providing a storefront grant of $20,000. PDC officials also assisted in site selection of the property at 2113 SE 7th Ave.
"Portland makes perfect sense for Islabike's U.S. launch, thanks to the city's outstanding reputation for intelligent design and quality products," said Patrick Quinton, executive director of the Portland Development Commission. "In partnership with Business Oregon, we're delighted to welcome Islabikes to our growing community of athletic and outdoor companies."
For more info, please visit islabikes.com or call 503-954-2410.